Ireland Issues Michael Collins Gold and Silver Coins

The Central and Financial Services of Ireland have advised (10th August) about their latest collector coins to honor one the nation’s most well-known and heroic figures leading up to Irish independence. Michael Collins (Míċeál Ó Coileáin) (1890 – 1922) became known during the Easter Rising in 1916 as a skilled organizer of considerable intelligence. He was a leading revolutionary figure who eventually served his country as Minister for Finance and Teachta Dála or member of Parliament for Cork South in the First Dáil (Parliament) of 1919. Having served as a member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, Collins was both Chairman of the Provisional Government and Commander-in-chief of the National Army.

Born in Sam’s Cross, near Clonakilty, (West County Cork, Ireland) Collins was the third son and youngest of eight children. On the 22nd August 1922, while on his way to meet the troops of the new Irish army in County Cork, his car was ambushed at Beal na mBlath. Collins was fatally shot by a member of the local Anti-Treaty IRA. His body was immediately returned to Dublin by steamer for fear that it might be stolen if transported on the roads. He lay in state for three days at Dublin City Hall as thousands of mourners filed past to pay their last respects. It was reported that more than half a million people attended his funeral, representing one fifth of Ireland’s population at the time. Michael Collins was only 31 years old at the time of his death.

The obverse of both the gold and silver Michael Collins commemorative coin depicts the national hero in a front-facing portrait which is based on an actual photograph taken not long before his death. The obverse design is the work of eminent artist Thomas Ryan who attended the Limerick School of Art & the National College of Art in Dublin. Ryan is best known for his previous work with modern Irish coinage including the Irish £1 coin featuring a red deer, which was introduced in 1990, replacing the £1 note. Ryan is also credited with the designs for the 1988 Dublin Millennium 50p coin, the 2008 gold and silver Antarctic explorer coins and the 2011 gold proof Celtic Cross coin. The reverse or, national side of the coin depicts the 14 string Irish harp modeled on the ‘Brian Boru’ harp which is housed in Trinity College, Dublin. This harp has been used on Irish coins since 1928 and Ireland has the distinction as the only country in the world to use a musical instrument as its national symbol.

Struck by the Mint of Finland to proof quality, the gold coin is minted in pure .999 fineness with a weight of 0.5 gram and a diameter of 11 mm. A total mintage of 12,000 pieces has been authorized. The silver coin is struck in sterling silver with a weight of 28.2 grams and a diameter of 38.6 mm. A mintage of 14,000 pieces is authorized. The Central Bank of Ireland are offering the gold and silver coins as separate items or a two coin set with a total number of 6,000 issued.

**EXCLUSIVE** Michael Alexander of the London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre will be attending the official launch of the Michael Collins commemorative coins on Wednesday 15th August in Cork, Ireland. Photos and comment of the event will be posted on Thursday.

Comments

In fact Central Bank of Ireland issued this Michael Collins commeorative coins did not mint these coins. So why did Finish Mint minted Michael Collins commemorative coins instead of Irish Mint? If so why Republic of Ireland do not have own mint?

Although the Central Bank of Ireland does have substantial minting facilities, they do mint much of their EURO circulation coinage, the Mint does not have the facilities needed to produce precious metal and collector quality coinage, thus, the coins are awarded to various Mints who already have these facilities in place. The Central Bank of Ireland have previously contracted past collector coins to the Royal Dutch Mint, the Royal Mint, UK and the Finnish Mint, where their latest coin is produced.

I have the very mundane honor of seeing the premier of the movie “Michael Collins” in Cork City with a number of students from the University College Cork (UCC), following which we went to a local pub (called the Thirsty Scholar) for several pints of Beamish and very emotional conversation about Irish history.

Can someone please tell me why all irish ‘silver’ collectable coins are only sterling silver and not .999 purity like almost every other collectable world coin.
And a .5 gram gold coin?
No thanks,these are trinkets and nothing more,ill buy a 1 oz .999 pure silver coin for 28 euros as of todays price…

Traditionally, sterling silver is the chosen fineness for silver coins – and many countries still use this standard. The difference between a collector coin such as this one and a bullion piece, which I collect myself is that the demand will most likely exceed the mintage and thus, a collector coin would not only benefit from the intrinsic value but also the appeal of a sought after coin.

I have been advised by the Currency section of the Central Bank of Ireland that all single and two coin sets for this issue have already sold out – this is the fastest selling coin which Ireland have issued.

The €20 single gold coin is still available but only in very small quantity.